All lanes of southbound I-5 reopen in Lakewood after sign falls on freeway

All southbound lanes on I-5 were closed overnight into Tuesday morning in Lakewood after a collision and downed freeway sign near Gravelly Lake Drive Southwest.

The structure collapsed on the freeway around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday. West Pierce Fire and Rescue says a car appeared to hit the support, bringing down the sign.

One person was evaluated for their injuries.

Crews are on scene of a sign collapse on southbound I-5 at Gravelly Lake Drive in Lakewood. It seems a car has hit the support, bringing down the sign. One person is being evaluated for injuries. Please avoid the area and expect long delays. pic.twitter.com/1ZRLyeuYeW

— West Pierce Fire & Rescue (@WestPierce) March 8, 2022

The Washington State Department of Transportation said the collision was at milepost 124.64, near Gravelly Lake Drive Southwest. Traffic was being diverted off to Bridgeport Way.

It took hours to remove the downed structure. WSDOT explained that a crane would be used to lower the structure onto the ground, before it could then be moved to the shoulder.

“This structure is what’s called a sign bridge,” WSDOT Tacoma noted on Twitter. “It spans all lanes of I-5 and the exit. It’s an incredibly heavy structure. It’s built tall enough to let all legal loads pass beneath it and hold large highway signs.”

As of 5:45 a.m., the sign bridge had been dragged to the shoulder. The crane then had to be removed from the roadway. All lanes reopened as of 6 a.m.

All lanes of southbound I-5 have reopened following the overnight total closure in Lakewood. Thanks for everyone who delayed their travels to help limit backups. It'll take a bit for congestion to clear.

— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) March 8, 2022

Drivers were told to expect long delays, and had been asked to avoid the area. WSDOT suggested delaying your travel if possible.

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